REFLECTIONS.
FOR I BELIEVE WE HAVE TWO LIVES: THE ONE WE LEARN WITH AND THE ONE WE LIVE AFTER THAT.

Saturday, July 16, 2011

WHERE DO WE GET SUCH MEN?

I was at the hospital, today, for a routine checkup. No bigee. No digital probe, Hallelujah. Went down to the lobby to get my garage ticket validated and noticed something special. Amidst the people was a serviceman, in combat fatigues, talking to, I presumed, his parents. My immediate reaction was one of awe, respect and pride. Trying to avoid staring, I stopped in my tracks and studied the soldier.

He was in his early twenties, and was standing tall, both in height and stature. Technically off duty but bearing an aura of officialdom. He was "at ease"in posture, but just a little bit. He reflected the business he was in. Speaking in socially correct quiet tones, he, nevertheless, exuded complete confidence. He seemed impervious to fear. If, at that very moment, something calamitous were to happen, you'd want to handcuff your hand to his, thereby maximizing the chance of survival. In truth, he was never "off duty." Self sustaining perpetuity of devotion and allegiance. This flower of our youth "had" me at first sight.

My path to the elevators led me right by him. I noted the perfect fit and crispness of his uniform. As I passed him, I acted instinctively which insured sincerity. Without breaking my gait, I gently touched his shoulder and said,"God bless you." Looking at me ever so briefly, he immediately replied,"Thank you. sir." And my moment was over. I heard a man, directly behind me, utter "Thank you for your service." Another,"Thank you." and the man and I were in the elevator together. The glances we exchanged were smiling acknowledgements of having done something good, the right thing. No conversation was needed.

The soldier is not alone. I dare say that all of his peers are testaments to those committed to fight for our country against radical Islamism. They leave their families to risk death in the cause of protecting our republic. Where do we get such men?

Well, we've got them, and should express our pride whenever an opportunity for us so to do, arises.
The goal is to have as many as possible come home. Not all of them can. Enough must stay to insure the ultimate military goal :

TO ESTABLISH A PERMANENT LAND BASE, STRATEGICALLY LOCATED, WITH SUFFICIENT WEAPONRY, TO CLOSELY MONITOR AND, IF NECESSARY. TO OBLITERATE THE TRUE CANCER IN ALL OF THIS: THE MILITARY THREAT OFIRAN.

About Me

worked my way through college and law school as a stand-up comic. 36 years as criminal defense attorney followed by 13 years on the bench as a Massachusetts District Court Judge. Developed a sense of timing from stand-up which has been invaluable in a courtroom. Accept it: a trial IS show biz. For more, Google "gerald alch."